Highlights

• WhatsApp beta for iOS reveals plans to introduce a ‘favourites’ feature for contacts.
• Simplifies voice and video calling with one-tap access to frequently contacted individuals.
• Preliminary methods suggest adding favourites directly from the calls tab via long press.
• Feature under testing, with official WhatsApp rollout confirmation pending.

WhatsApp is poised to introduce a new functionality aimed at streamlining voice calls.

According to insights from WABetaInfo, an upcoming update for the WhatsApp beta on iOS, version 24.3.10.70, reveals an initiative to allow users to designate certain contacts as ‘favourites’. 

This feature, designed to improve accessibility and efficiency, will enable users to quickly connect with their most frequently contacted individuals without the need to navigate through their entire contact list.

It is intended to improve overall accessibility by providing a quick and intuitive shortcut for calling favourite contacts directly from the calls tab.

“We believe that this feature will elevate the user experience by providing a personalised way to connect with their favourite contacts, improving the communication process,” the report said.

“By designating certain contacts as favourites, users can ensure that these contacts are readily available at the forefront of their calling interface,” it added.
The feature to designate favourite contacts is under development and it will be available in a future update of the app, according to the report. Meanwhile, WhatsApp has started to roll out a new feature that lets iOS users create, edit and share their own stickers.
“You can now turn your photos into stickers or edit existing stickers. In other news, you’ll likely have to show the entire group chat how you did it. Rolling out now on iOS,” WhatsApp wrote in a post on Instagram.

WhatsApp Favourites: A Closer Look

This enhancement positions chosen contacts prominently at the top of the calls tab, ensuring that initiating a phone call is a seamless, one-tap process. 

As per WABetaInfo it is anticipated that this will facilitate both voice and video calls, offering users the flexibility to choose their preferred mode of communication with a simple tap on a favoured contact.

There are currently no details on the specifics of the mechanism such as how to assign a favourite contact, preliminary observations suggest that this could be accomplished directly from the calls tab, potentially through a long press on the desired contact.

Once a contact is designated as a favourite, it will be displayed at the forefront of the calls tab for convenient access.

Also, it should be noted that this feature is not currently in a testing phase for Android. 

Awaiting Official Confirmation

As this feature is currently under testing and not available to the general WhatsApp user base, official confirmation from WhatsApp regarding its rollout remains pending. 

WhatsApp is making broader efforts to enhance user experience, as evidenced by the recent introduction of Pinned Events in Communities for beta users on Android.

This new favourite contact is likely to be a part of this push as it intelligently identifies events shared within Community groups, presenting them prominently for easy access by users.

FAQs

What is the WhatsApp Favourites Feature?

The WhatsApp Favourites feature, currently in beta testing, allows users to mark certain contacts as favourites, making them easily accessible at the top of the calls tab for quick voice or video calls.

How can I add a contact to my Favourites on WhatsApp?

While WhatsApp hasn’t officially detailed the process, it’s believed that users will be able to add a contact to their favourites through a long press on the desired contact in the calls tab, based on preliminary observations.

Will the Favourites Feature support both voice and video calls?

Yes, the new Favourites feature is expected to support both voice and video calls, offering users the flexibility to choose their preferred communication method with a tap.

When will the WhatsApp Favourites Feature be available for all users?

The feature is currently in beta testing on iOS and has not been rolled out to all users. An official release date will be confirmed by WhatsApp in the future.

Can I customize which contacts appear as my Favourites on WhatsApp?

Yes, it is anticipated that users will have the ability to customize which contacts are marked as favourites, ensuring quick access to their most important contacts.

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